This paper describes a variable-pitch propeller testing and aerodynamic modeling methodology for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft using wind tunnel testing. Propellers used for eVTOL aircraft propulsion systems experience a wide range of operating conditions resulting in significant variation of axial thrust and torque, as well as off-axis forces and moments, across a typical flight envelope. An experimental design is developed to collect informative wind tunnel data in an efficient manner using response surface methods. System identification methods are then applied to isolated propeller wind tunnel data to develop a mathematical model of the propeller valid throughout the transition envelope of a vectored-thrust eVTOL aircraft. Multiple explanatory variable definitions are postulated and compared using modeling and prediction performance metrics. Modeling results validated against data withheld from the modeling process indicate good predictive capability and agree with theoretical expectations. All identified propeller models are provided, which allows the models to be used in future eVTOL aircraft flight dynamics simulations.
Efficient Variable-Pitch Propeller Aerodynamic Model Development for Vectored-Thrust eVTOL Aircraft
AIAA AVIATION 2022 Forum ; 2022 ; Chicago, IL, US
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Aerodynamics , wind tunnel testing , system identification , design of experiments , response surface methodology , RSM , propeller aerodynamics , UAM , DOE , aerodynamic modeling , VTOL , eVTOL , distributed electric propulsion , Urban Air Mobility , vertical takeoff and landing , Aircraft Stability And Control